<p>Alright so I know I’m a little young to start worrying about college, but I have a question about UCLA.
I’m only 13, but I really want to go to UCLA for college. It is a HUGE dream of mine! I’m really smart and I’m willing to try anything. So for everyone who goes to UCLA or got in or was declined, can I please have some tips on how to start preparing so I will definitely get in!
I have five years to prepare so I’m ready! Also does it matter what major you choose when applying, and the high school I’m going to only has IB classes not AP classes but will that matter?
Thanks!</p>
<p>Note: And what are the chances of me getting in from out of state?</p>
<p>Out of state will help in this economy. The UC system needs the extra cash they charge out of state kids. IB is good – it is not your fault that your school does not offer AP’s. (1) make sure that you do well in school and get as close to a 4.00 GPA as possible. (2) Prepare well for the SAT and ACT. Hire a tutor and start with the PSAT as soon as possible. (3) Get involved in the community and do lots of extracurricular activities. Make sure that these activities match your interests and therefore are authentic. (4) Make sure that your essays on application reflect who you are and again hire experienced help to review what you’ve written – however, it must be in your own words and 100% authentic. (5) Start exploring what major you want now.</p>
<p>Also, think of good back up schools too. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Schools know if you have applied to other schools. Let them compete for you. My kid got into 5 UC’s including UCLA for engineering. Ultimately he chose to go to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo – after researching and touring all the schools, he felt most at home there. He loves it. You never know where you’ll end up until you make that final choice.</p>
<p>Good for you! It is never too early to start thinking about your college choices. </p>
<p>Go to the UC website and take a look at the required high school coursework. Most of it is pretty standard, but many students are caught off guard by the visual and performing arts requirement. Take the most rigorous courses your school offers and get the highest grades you can. </p>
<p>Be aware, though, that the cost of attendance for an out of state student is very high. It is currently around $50,000 per year, and yearly increases are likely if the state continues to decrease funding to its universities. Out of state students do not qualify for institutional aid in any substantial amount.</p>
<p>Its nice to be aiming for a great college, but coming from someone with an older perspective I wonder how it is that you know UCLA is the perfect school for you. Have you considered class size? The advising system? Where students live? The type of things people like to do in their free time? How hard it is to get the classes you want/need? Whether you can change majors? What its like to attend an urban campus as opposed to one in a more rural area? The feeling of being one of 22,000 undergrads as opposed to one of 5,000 or 1,000?</p>
<p>I could go on, but the point I’d like to make is that while it is admirable to aspire to go to a very selective college, the odds that you have the understanding of the college experience and have carefully considered a wide array of choices and settled on this one as optimal is, IMHO, quite small. At this point I’d advise being the kind of student that is a strong applicant to any very selective college, and as you learn more about what colleges have to offer and discover your own interests you’ll make an informed choice about what is the right destination for you.</p>
<p>I’m pretty sure UCLA is for me. I’ve considered a lot of things and it just seems amazing! Obviously my opinion could change, but I’m pretty informed about UCLA. I visited the campus with my family last year and fell in love with it. As soon as I got home I researched it and I am absolutely sure i want to go there. I just posted this so that when the time comes in 5 years for me to apply, I will be ready.</p>